tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78520964090932990942017-11-29T03:24:26.364-08:00Aspire to Plan - for Aspiring Wedding PlannersWendy at Aspire to Plannoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-72495642838323936532010-07-13T06:50:00.000-07:002010-07-13T06:50:09.917-07:00We've Moved!Please visit us at our NEW blog home...<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;"><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/blog">www.aspiretoplan.com/blog</a></span></b><br /><br />See you soon!Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-40482311141803888342010-06-14T06:52:00.000-07:002010-06-14T06:52:29.712-07:00Just a Few More Tweaks and We'll Be Back...Moving the blog has been a bit of a challenge. But in the end it'll be worth it!<br /><br />Have a great week and...<br /><br />Aspire to Plan!!<br /><br /><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" alt="" width="104" height="61" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-40707661979481430522010-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:002010-06-04T07:50:38.253-07:00To Inspire You For the Weekend...Planning events is a daunting task...no matter the size or scope.&nbsp; We love to make things big and dramatic so we can witness all the wide eyed wonder when the guests take their first look.&nbsp; You know I'm right!&nbsp; But yesterday, I started planning my soon to be two year old goddaughter's birthday party and&nbsp;I had to hold myself back.&nbsp; <br /><br />After writing down my initial thoughts on paper...some cupcakes, a few ballons and a few small gifts, I couldn't help but take it up a notch or two.&nbsp; Before long, my notes had a&nbsp;few blush pink draped tents, a cake that looked like a castle, maybe a&nbsp;a lady dressed up like a fairy princess to hand out prizes...suddenly it turned into what looks like a HUGE production.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />But then I realized that my precious little one would probably not even notice.&nbsp; The cupcakes and ballons alone&nbsp;would knock her socks off.&nbsp; Because to her, it really is a big deal...fairy princesses are important people too, ya know!&nbsp; <br /><br /><em><strong>"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."</strong></em><br /><em><strong>-Helen Keller</strong></em><br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend and go accomplish something great and noble!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-23737312547055011552010-06-03T07:12:00.000-07:002010-06-03T08:50:01.889-07:00Aspiring Planners: Don't Make These MistakesI was recently asked what I thought were the most common mistakes made by aspiring planners when they start their businesses.<br /><br />Here's what I've come up with:<br /><ol><li>Aspiring planners don't really take the time to find out if wedding planning is really something they're cut out for.</li><li>They don't take the time to learn the proper way to structure their business in a legal sense.</li><li>They don't create a marketable and compelling brand or identity for their business...nor do they identify who their ideal client is.</li><li>They don't spend enough time on the organizational and operational aspects of their business.</li><li>They don't take the time to decide what services they will provide...design, consulting, planning and or coordination; how those services will be priced and packaged (hate that word!); and finally whether those services will be profitable based on those prices.</li><li>They don't learn the importance of consistent marketing or the "art of the sale".</li><li>Finally, but certainly one of the most&nbsp;critical mistakes they make; they don't set up a system to record and monitor the financial transactions in their business.</li></ol>Many times, these elements are created on the fly...AFTER they've chosen a pretty logo, published a nice website, printed business cards and placed an ad in a wedding magazine. &nbsp;They do all this and wonder why they aren't getting the phone calls from all the brides that "need" their services.<br /><br />Now...I didn't come up with these to throw stones...I made some of these same mistakes. &nbsp;I merely wanted to share with you what I've seen in the 12 months since I've started mentoring aspiring planners. &nbsp;Maybe this is one of the reasons so many planning businesses start and fail. &nbsp;I've personally seen many of them come and go. <br /><br />And it's not for lack of trying. &nbsp;Not at all. &nbsp;Many planners I've talked to are passionate and eager to make their businesses successful. &nbsp;Truthfully? &nbsp;The "bright, shiny objects"...the diamonds, pretty linens and gorgeous flowers blinded them. &nbsp;They didn't take the time to look at the hard stuff and learn what they needed to learn in order to be successful. <br /><br />Or maybe they found out that they just weren't cut out for wedding planning. &nbsp;Too bad they invested so much money to find that out...when they could have just done the necessary work BEFORE the brides booked their services.<br /><br />What do you think? &nbsp;I'd really like your feedback on this. &nbsp;Thanks.<br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br /><b><i>Aspire to Plan!</i></b><br /><br /><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-35384994881757768632010-06-03T07:05:00.000-07:002010-06-03T07:05:27.449-07:00Can You Find Me?<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs257.snc1/10435_102749016403055_100000038713047_82410_3488615_n.jpg" /><br /><br />They say in kindergarten, you learn everything you need to know in life. &nbsp;I don't remember learning much in my half day class except how to paint big, red hearts during painting time. &nbsp;As a matter of fact, I used to draw them with crayons too. &nbsp;They were my object of choice! &nbsp;Guess that's why I love so deeply! :)<br /><br />Have a great day, everyone!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="Red Hearts" src="http://images.free-extras.com/pics/r/red_hearts-1477.png" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-19314709818363600172010-06-02T08:45:00.000-07:002010-06-02T21:09:24.329-07:00Aspire to Plan - Some of Our More Popular PostsUm, Er Uh...I was going through the archives recently and thought it might be a good idea to post the links to some of our favorite articles. <br /><br />(The real story? &nbsp;I'm working on something BIG for Aspire to Plan and haven't written any new posts this week...yet. &nbsp;Forgive me! )<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/04/theres-that-word-againniche.html">There's That Word Again...Niche!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/04/finding-your-niche-part-two.html">Finding Your Niche, Part Two</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/04/what-is-wedding-planner-really.html">What Is a Wedding Planner, Really?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/05/what-goes-into-marketing-plan.html">What Goes Into a Marketing Plan?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/05/phone-consult.html">The Phone Consult</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-87763873418484592592010-05-31T06:49:00.000-07:002010-06-01T20:56:59.466-07:00Mindset Monday: Fear of Rejection Cured by Being a Good Servant?I was listening to a recorded Q&amp;A session with a business mentor of mine today and a few of the questions were mindset type questions. &nbsp;One of them in particular really resonated with me...it dealt with feelings of rejection.<br /><br />One of the callers was explaining that they were fearful of rejection when in the middle of the sale process with a potential client. &nbsp;Because of this fear, the caller was having a hard time in her business and she was thinking of closing up shop and going back to the corporate grind.<br /><br />The mentor told her that there were one or two reasons why she may have had this fear. &nbsp;One, she probably had the mindset that she was about to "take" something from the client and therefore did not appear confident in her sales presentation. &nbsp;People can smell it a mile away when we are not confident about our product and services. &nbsp;If we don't believe in them, why should they?<br /><br />Solution? &nbsp;She should think of herself as a good servant. &nbsp;Approach the sales process with the mindset that she is being of service instead of "taking" something from the prospect. &nbsp;If she can get her mind around that, then she'll also be more confident. &nbsp;And confidence sells!<br /><br />Second,&nbsp;there may have been a moment in her life where she put herself out there in a big way, and for some reason, was rejected. &nbsp;Like asking that cute boy at the 6th grade dance if he wanted to dance and he said no. &nbsp;(Or like when you attend a networking event for the first time and don't know anyone there. &nbsp;You try to start a conversation with someone you don't know and they blow you off for someone else they want to chat with.) <br /><br />Been there, done that!<br /><br />The mentor went on to say that perhaps these types of situations happened several times in her life. &nbsp;The combination of these episodes may have caused her to create some sort of negative meaning around rejection that was causing her to be "stuck" in closing the sale in her business.<br /><br />Solution? &nbsp;She should search her soul for those moments of rejection and realize that they have nothing to do with her current situation. &nbsp;Those moments of rejection were a moment in time and have nothing to do with where she is now. &nbsp;Those moments of rejection make no difference in whether or not she will gain another client in the here and now. &nbsp;She needs to come to terms with this fact and put it in the past where it belongs. <br /><br />(A new phrase I learned recently from Rev Run goes something like this..."Leave the past in the past...there is a reason it didn't make it to your future!")<br /><br />What IS important is that she provides the solution to a gap that her potential client is experiencing. &nbsp;The gap is between what they have and what they need or want. &nbsp;When they reach out to her, they feel as if her expertise will fill that gap. &nbsp;Helping them to understand that gap and how her product or service fills it, is one of the most important ingredients in business...and is all about being of service. &nbsp;And nothing about "taking" anything from them.<br /><br />I certainly feel better...do you?<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-83184208099786460612010-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:002010-06-04T07:48:26.217-07:00To Inspire You for the Weekend...Have you ever heard that doing something for 21 days will develop into a habit? &nbsp;Aristotle says..<br /><br /><i><b>"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit."</b></i><br /><br />So this weekend, start a new habit...go out and chase perfection. &nbsp;Surely you'll eventually find excellence!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-6646821954499117242010-05-27T19:24:00.000-07:002010-05-27T19:24:41.159-07:00Aspiring Challenge; Press Release WinnersOur <a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2010/05/toot-your-own-horn-with-press-release.html">Aspiring Challenge for writing a press release</a> was not as popular as I had anticipated but it was fun none the less. &nbsp;We didn't get too many entries...just two, in fact! &nbsp;So both ladies who submitted entries are winners!<br /><br />Jeryse Kelly of MJK Events, LLC<br /><br />and<br /><br />Nikola Ahaiwe of <a href="http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/">Platinum Touch Events</a><br /><br />I will be working with each of these ladies on editing and making some improvements to their press releases and then we'll feature them on the blog once they're done.<br /><br />Contact me at wendy {at} aspiretoplan {dot} com, ladies, so you can claim your prize!!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-66578267900182845732010-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:00:03.959-07:00Cash Flow, Baby!If you are using software like Quickbooks to track the finances&nbsp;AND you are keeping it up to date with the transactions in your business, then I'm sure you've utilized the reports to help you with this.&nbsp; If not, I hope you are using something similar or at the very least, some sort of spreadsheet to track the flow of money in your business. <br /><br />The reports from accounting software programs can be a little intimidating for some. &nbsp;And if you aren't using software, you still need something to help you "see" the money in your business. &nbsp;A cash flow statement or worksheet is a little more simplified, and useful. &nbsp;This might make some of you cringe but stay with me...this is important. I'll make it REALLY simple so it doesn't overwhelm you...<br /><br />Let's say it's your very first month in business. YAY! Congrats!<br /><br />You've contributed $500 to your business for Contributed Capital; You've closed your first two brides for full service planning packages with deposits at $2,500 each (you're on a roll, girl!); which brings your Sales/Svcs Income to $5,000 for the month. Bride #1 will pay her balance in May and Bride #2 will pay her balance in June.<br /><br />Now let's talk expenses. Your normal monthly expenses consist of $500 in salaries, $500 in other operation expenses and $100 in tax payments, bringing your normal, customary expenses to $1,100 per month. In addition, in the month of January, you decided to attend an educational conference in April but you've paid for it in advance. The conference fee is $500 and you've estimated other expenses for the conference to run you about $300. <br /><br />Take a look at your cash flow statement:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lHReAoJos8U/S_wxLEY6mMI/AAAAAAAABE0/aCYgC2r8GhQ/s1600/cashflow.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lHReAoJos8U/S_wxLEY6mMI/AAAAAAAABE0/aCYgC2r8GhQ/s640/cashflow.bmp" width="640" /></a></div><br />January, February and March look good with regard to cash flow, but look what happens in April IF you don't generate anymore sales. You'll run out of money. Even if you decide to forgo the $300 you've allocated for conference spending in April, you will still be short by $300. The next time you will see an influx of money is in May when Bride #1 pays her balance. &nbsp;(Provided she pays ON TIME!)<br /><br />In the beginning it's easy to want to spend money on all the nice "shiny objects" that grab your attention. Having this simple spreadsheet setup to show all the cash flowing in and out of your business will help you manage your cash so that you can make informed spending decisions in your business.<br /><br />Still overwhelmed?&nbsp; Call or email me so I can help.&nbsp; Because if you are not paying attention to this part of your business, then you are setting yourself up to fail. &nbsp;And I want you to succeed!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-11151131642332110832010-05-26T09:55:00.000-07:002010-05-26T09:55:00.266-07:00Why It's Important to Understand and Have a Good Bookkeeping SystemA few days ago I told you <a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2010/05/why-you-hate-numbers-and-five-reasons.html">why you hate the numbers</a>. Was I right? Thought so...<br /><br />Today I'm sharing why it's important to understand what your numbers will help you with in running your business. Then I share a three step exercise at the end to help you get your arms around your numbers so it's not so overwhelming.<br /><br />Why its important:<br /><br /><b>To avoid unnecessary fees</b> - This is a problem because it adds unnecessary expense. Being late on a payment or overdrawing your bank account, is like burning money! Banks charge hefty fees for overdrawn accounts, and this is just money wasted. If you aren't managing your money on a weekly or monthly basis, these fees can add up. (I HIGHLY recommend overdraft protection because occassionally there will be an oversight. But even so, why give the bank ANY of your money?)<br /><br /><b>So you won't be disorganized at tax time</b> - You'll waste a lot of time and possible sleep trying to gather everything together at tax time in order to do your taxes. If you have your taxes prepared by a professional, then you risk adding additional fees for the time it takes your accountant to make sense of it all before they can even begin to prepare your taxes.<br /><br /><b>To be able to make informed management decisions; long term and short term</b> - If you don't know your numbers and you don't know what's in your numbers, you can't make solid business decisions. If you don't know how much money you have in your bank account, you can't decide whether or not you can spend money on an opportunity that happens to come up during the day or during the month. Having a solid grasp of where your numbers are and where they are going will help you to make better management decisions. For the short-term, that may mean purchasing a piece of equipment that happens to be on sale this week. For the long-term, you may see a conference coming up in three to six months that you would love to go to but because you don't know what money may be coming in and what expenses are going out the door, you won't be able to plan for that big expense in the long-term. <br /><br /><b>Knowing the ROI on a particular outlay of cash</b> - The benefit you get from the money you put into your business has to be measured in some way so that you can make adjustments accordingly. You need to know whats working and what isn't..like your advertising and marketing efforts...so that you can change them for better results.If it's bringing money in the door, then you most certainly want to continue doing it. If it's leaking money, then you want to get rid of it. You won't know that unless you understand and have a solid book-keeping system. <br /><br /><b>Saves you time</b> - Time is a very, very precious commodity when you own your own business, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners. Your time is money, so it is more important for you to spend time doing the things you love; those glamorous things; the creative things; the things that led you to start your business in the first place, instead of sitting behind a computer, at a desk, crunching numbers. <br /><br />Here are some steps, just three simple steps to getting started on understanding the finances of your business: <br /><br /><ol><li>Make a list of all the different ways that money comes in and out of your business; cash, checks, Paypal, debit cards, and credit cards. Under each type of tender, name and describe some of the situations/transactions where you use those vehicles of payment. A new client sale, supplies purchases, lunch or coffee date with the client or vendor, marketing and advertising payments, one time payment and recurring payments, professional fee payments, membership fees, club fees, rent, utilities.</li><li>Next to each transaction type, write down whether it is a revenue transaction (service or product sale), or an expense. There are several types of expenses but I won't bore you with trying to determine that right now. Leave that for your accountant or bookkeeper to figure out.</li><li>Develop a process or system that you are comfortable with, to record the transaction (spreadsheet or Quickbooks). Make it simple so you'll be more successful at keeping up with it. Also, designate a place to store the receipt/invoice/documentation for each of the types of transactions listed above. Like a folder or envelope labeled with the contents and what month it's for.</li></ol><br />Now...go and create some time and space in your schedule to do your bookkeeping once per week or at a minimum, once per month. If you can't find the time in your schedule to do it, then hire someone to do it for you...to either create an easy, step by step system for your unique operating style or to actually do the bookkeeping for you each month. <br /><br />Create the peace of mind you need to be a successful business owner as it relates to the creative side AND the financial side.<br /><br />Tomorrow's post shows you what a simple, easy Cash Flow Statement looks like`and how it can help you. &nbsp;Don't miss it!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-38237705376278695622010-05-25T15:19:00.000-07:002010-05-25T20:07:59.835-07:00Why Small Business Owners Hate the Numbers (Warning: Soapbox Post)You may be wondering why I am qualified to write and speak about finances and the dreaded "numbers game" of running a business. I'll tell ya...<br /><br />When I was a senior in high school, I decided to take a few business courses to breakup the monotony of all the chemistry, math and history classes I had to take in order to get into college. I took 6th period Accounting (lunch period) because I was more than likely going to ditch the class to hang out in the lunch room. Yes...I "planned" when I was going to ditch. I certainly wasn't going to use that time for a "serious" class! (See? I was a "planner" even back then!)<br /><br />Anyway, long story short I LOVED the class. So much so that I did the homework way in advance of when it was due. The curriculum? Starting and maintaining the books for a fictitious company during a three month period. It was like a game to me. I think I had the entire first month's worth of transactions interpreted, recorded and books balanced by the first or second week.<br /><br />Got an A+ in the class...off to <a href="http://www.uconn.edu/storrs-campus.php">UConn</a> I went...majored in, you guessed it...accounting...and spent the next 25 years working my way up from bookkeeper to Director of Finance of a company here in Phoenix. I earned great money, enjoyed a great lifestyle and it exposed me to the in's and outs of running a business profitably. <br /><br />That's why I love the numbers.<br /><br />So here's a <span id="goog_2147342117"></span><a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2010/05/why-you-hate-numbers-and-five-reasons.html">rerun of a post I did a few days ago<span id="goog_2147342118"></span>...a reminder of why you hate the numbers</a>:<br /><br />1. You are not good at it. You haven't been trained to do it. <br /><br />2. You don't have time to do it. You're busy running your business and your life. You'd rather spend time on the creative aspects of&nbsp;running&nbsp;your business. <br /><br />3. You can't keep track of all your receipts or all of the ways you spend your money. Money goes flying in and out the door in different ways at different times.&nbsp; <br /><br />4. You don't know what receipt you should&nbsp;save and what you shouldn't save. You end up saving every little receipt for every little expense (annoying) and you're not sure if you should spend the time to file that receipt in a neat little place or because you don't know if that expense is really important. <br /><br />5. You don't know how to record or categorize all the different ways you spend money. Again, this goes back to all of the different ways you spend money, whether it's cash, check, credit card. It's very confusing when you use all these ways of spending money, and what to do with each type of tender. <br /><br />6. It's not glamorous. Flowers, linens,&nbsp;fancy cakes and taking pictures of insanely gorgeous&nbsp;couples is glamorous...crunching numbers is not. <br /><br />Bookkeeping is not something that people enjoy doing, and it never will be, but there are ways to make it more simple.&nbsp; Really, I promise.&nbsp; Tomorrow I'll share more on why it's important and some simple steps to make it easy for you.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-76004635317231527472010-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-24T06:00:11.248-07:00Mindset Monday: Over Deliver On Your PromisesAnother technique that helps you attract the life you desire is to give more than is expected. When you give more to others (as opposed to taking more), you’re sending out energy that attracts good things back to you.<br /><br />Consistently over-delivering on your promises suggests a mindset of excellence and abundance. Aren’t these some of the important qualities included in your dream life?<br /><br />When you generously give more than you promise, you make others happy. You also feel good about yourself, which strengthens your self-esteem and self-confidence. These are the very traits that you see in anyone who is successful.<br /><br />So by increasing these qualities and traits within yourself, you’re setting yourself up for success in achieving your life’s desires.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-80660100771810442852010-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:002010-05-21T11:44:00.380-07:00To Inspire You for the Weekend...We're doing a big birthday party this weekend. &nbsp;Two events in one day. &nbsp;I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.<br /><br />-Hellen Keller<br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until next time...</div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-6457979866935227742010-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:002010-05-20T07:51:34.004-07:00Toot Your Own Horn With a Press Release<em><strong><span style="color: magenta;">I was in the mountains yesterday and didn't realize this post was MIA! Here ya go...</span></strong></em><br /><br />Ok, this challenge will stretch your writing skills... <br /><br />I hear from many aspiring planners daily. Some talk about successes they've had; others talk about struggles they face. One thing is clear to me...getting the word out about their business and finding new clients to serve is a top priority.<br /><br />I learned early on that in order to be known in this business you must first present yourself professionally and offer value. Press releases are a great way to do that. They cost you nothing except some time and creative writing. Sending them to your local contacts and the media is a great way to spread the good news about the wonderful milestones you've reached and what you are doing in your business. For instance:<br /><br />-Did you just launch your business?<br />-Have you and your team recently donated your services at a local charity?<br />-Have you begun to offer a line of retail products to your clients?<br />-Did you hire a new assistant or intern?<br />-Have you re-branded recently?<br /><br />Here's the challenge: Write a press release about your business. Email it to amy {at} aspiretoplan {dot} com. Please insert the following into the subject line: "Aspiring Challenge-Press Release" The deadline for submission is midnight on Tuesday, May 25th. <br /><br />The aspiring planners with the three most compelling press releases sent in will be featured here on the Aspire to Plan blog next Thursday, May 27th. Also, each of them will&nbsp;receive their choice of a $25 iTunes gift card or a $25 Amazon gift card.<br /><br />I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but you've got to come with it! So go ahead...toot your horn, girl!<br /><br />Good Luck!<br />&nbsp; <br />Until next time... <br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-67139604204815442922010-05-18T10:46:00.000-07:002010-05-18T10:46:32.277-07:00Have You Written Your First Press Release Yet?When just starting out in your business, some would say its difficult to get the word out about your business without spending a ton of money.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the contrary...there are plenty of ways to tell the world about you and what you are doing in your business, without spending a ton of money.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of them is to write a press release.<br /><br />There have been a million articles written about it and many of them are very informative. &nbsp;I won't bore you with another rendition so...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.prwebdirect.com/pressreleasetips.php">Here's a great "how to"&nbsp;that'll get you started on your press release</a>.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll present the NEXT <a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2010/04/aspiring-challenge-what-would-you-do.html">Aspiring Challenge</a>, so read the above link and come back tomorrow for all the details!!&nbsp; <br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br /><strong><em>Aspire to Plan!</em></strong><br /><br /><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-25099067984294131972010-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-18T10:40:38.836-07:00Mindset Monday: Change Your Mindset; Change Your Life<b>To transform your mindset into one which attracts what you want,</b> it’s necessary to incorporate your desired thoughts into your subconscious. Your mind is like an iceberg, that is, the conscious part of your brain is the top 10% and the hidden 90% is your subconscious.It’s also your subconscious that controls 90% of your actions and virtually all of your ideas and attitudes which affect everything else in your life. In essence, it controls you.<br /><br /><b>There are some simple strategies that allow you to access your subconscious</b>. The goal is to input the ideas and attitudes you desire into your mind on a continual basis so that gradually your mindset changes to what you want. These strategies allow you to mold yourself to your heart’s desire through your subconscious!<br /><br /><b>Follow these tips to make lasting changes to your subconscious so you can attract your desires:</b><br /><br /><b>First and foremost, for my praying friends...</b><br /><br /><b>Prayer and meditation.</b> Take the time to pray and meditate and visualize actually living the life of your dreams. Experience it with all your senses and it will draw it to you. This kind of spiritual self-reflection will help transform your mindset to be in accordance with your visualization.<br /><br /><b>Positive self-talk</b>. Your mind engages itself in a conversation – or rather monologue – the entire time you’re awake. Since you spend all day talking to yourself, why not tell yourself things you want to hear? Keep it positive and good benefits will follow!<br /><br /><b>Congratulate yourself on every success</b>, no matter how small. Each success is a victory and leads you toward your goals. Take every opportunity to celebrate and build your confidence!<br /><br /><b>When you make a mistake, ask yourself how this helps you</b>. What can you learn or gain from this error? Even mistakes can bring the very life lessons that can catapult you toward your success.<br /><br /><b>Avoid beating yourself up about anything!</b> This negative self-talk ruins your confidence and breeds discontent and failure. If you hear something negative, stop it in its tracks and turn it into something positive.<br /><br />Use your self-talk to encourage yourself to act in ways that are in accordance – and not contrary to – your goals. &nbsp;Affirmations are a form of positive self-talk that affirms the traits in you that you desire. You can replace your negative mindset with positive thoughts and images that guide you toward your goals.<br /><br /><b>Remember the 3 Ps: Affirmations should be personal, present tense, and positive</b>. Personal means to use the words “I”, “me”, and “my”. Write them in the present tense as if this is a trait you already possess. And, of course, you want them to be positive statements.<br /><br />Use them every single day. Say your affirmations every morning, every night, and whenever you feel the urge to boost your attitude. &nbsp;Type them up and print them out to tape to the walls surrounding your desk if you have to!<br /><br /><b>Here are some affirmations you can start with</b>:<br /><ul><li>I take advantage of opportunities that present themselves with swift action.</li><li>I enjoy meeting new people.</li><li>I am open to new ideas that can help me reach my goals.</li><li>I take time to plan my actions and then follow my plan.</li><li>I make healthy choices about the foods I eat.</li><li>I enjoy exercising because it makes me look good and feel better.</li></ul>You CAN change your life! &nbsp;<span id="goog_1799642047"></span><a href="http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?sitesrc=uslp&amp;country=US&amp;lang_locale=en_US#l=shop,men_livestrong">LiveStrong<span id="goog_1799642048"></span> and Just do it!</a> &nbsp;(Thanks Nike!)<br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br /><strong><em>Aspire to Plan!</em></strong><br /><br /><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-18785348582697908152010-05-14T07:52:00.000-07:002010-05-14T07:52:24.280-07:00To Inspire You for the Weekend...Was this past week a rough one for you?&nbsp; The good news is, you've made it to Friday!&nbsp; Here's a tip...find a good comedy club to go to...watch a really funny movie.&nbsp; Play dress up with your favorite child.&nbsp; Whatever you do, laugh a little this weekend. <br /><br />No...scratch that. Laugh A LOT!!<br /><br /><em><strong>The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.<br />-Mark Twain</strong></em><br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />Until next time...</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-78862204461750210572010-05-13T06:13:00.000-07:002010-05-13T06:13:00.098-07:00Sharpen Your Armor: Education is Power Vol. 3<a href="http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol152/marketing.htm">5 Breakthrough Marketing Ideas by Charlie Cook</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.e-myth.com/cs/user/print/post/developing-your-brand-idea">Developing Your Brand Idea by E-Myth Business Coach</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.howtomakemyblog.com/productivity/10-tips-to-stay-focused-when-blogging/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+HowToMakeMyBlog+(HowToMakeMyBlog.com)&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail">10 Tips to Stay Focused When Blogging by Tom Walker</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090701/john-mackey-of-whole-foods-on-hiring-leaders.html">I want leaders by my side in business...don't you? Here's one way to spot them...</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.womenhomebusiness.com/success-tips/what-inspired-you-to-start-a-business.htm">What Inspired You to Start a Business?</a><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until next time...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-87763003460136637132010-05-11T06:37:00.000-07:002010-05-11T06:37:00.670-07:00How's Your Networking Coming Along?One year ago (wow, practically to the day!), I shared my perspective on <a href="http://www.aspiretoplan.com/2009/05/networking-with-stars.html">networking with veteran wedding professionals</a>. &nbsp;I called them "stars". &nbsp;Have you met with the vendors in your community to get to know them since then? &nbsp;If you haven't, shame on you! <br /><br />If you have, good job! &nbsp;You are well on your way to creating a wonderful network of support as your business grows.<br /><br />For those of you that haven't grown your network, today I challenge you to make a list of all the vendors in town you would like to meet. &nbsp;Next to each person's name or business, write down their phone number, email address and physical address (if they have a store front) and create a timeline to reach out to them. &nbsp;Make a commitment to touch base with at least two vendors a week...whether it's by email, hand written "hello" note or a phone call. <br /><br />Make a date to meet for coffee or lunch. &nbsp;Learn about their business and who their ideal client is. &nbsp;Share your story as well, but make sure you make the meeting more about them...not you. &nbsp;Remember...they need to learn who you are before they will know, like and trust you. &nbsp;Once this happens, why wouldn't they refer business to you?<br /><br />Now get out there! &nbsp;And if you need help with what to say and how to "present" your business, reach out to me...I'll help you come up with something that sizzles! :)<br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br /><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-62053860581162888422010-05-10T06:26:00.000-07:002010-05-10T06:26:00.294-07:00Mindset Monday: Practice Gratitude...It Attracts Goodness!<div class="MsoNormal">Gratitude plays a big part in attracting your dream life. Feeling thankful for your blessings attracts more things for you to be thankful for! Even if what you’ve got isn’t much, it can be increased a hundred fold by being thankful for it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition, when you show your gratitude to others for something they’ve done for you, they’re more inclined to do even more. Gratitude strengthens the bonds of friendship and increases the loyalty of business associates.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s some food for thought: If you can’t feel gratitude for what you’ve got now, will you ever feel it, or will you just want more?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tell others when they make you happy. The need to feel appreciated is one of our basic human needs. Fulfill that need and share the love! A simple “Thank you” can make their day.</div><ol><li>Your parents and children love to know when they’ve made you happy. Make it a habit to thank them often.</li><li>Letting your spouse know how much you appreciate them and all they do will strengthen your relationship. It can also start a cycle of you both doing nice things for each other because you know how much the other one appreciates it!</li><li>Your friends also like to know that they bring value to your life. Every so often, do something special to show your gratitude.</li><li>Co-workers, business associates, and clients also like to know they’re appreciated. When they do something for you, be sure to say “Thank you” and let them know how much it means to you. Offer to reciprocate by helping them when they need it, too.</li><li>Remember to thank the clerk at the bank, the customer service rep who went out of their way to solve your problem, or the store employee who helped you find what you were looking for.</li><li>The more you make it a point to thank those who make your life better, the more you find to be thankful for. After all, you don’t want to be taking things for granted!</li></ol>Keep a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, reflect on all that is good and write it down in your journal. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Reading</st1:place></st1:city> about all the things you’re thankful for can also lift your spirits and motivate you.<br /><br />When you awake, give thanks for the day ahead and all its wonderful possibilities. Before you fall asleep at night, give thanks for the day you just had.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Feeling gratitude every day keeps the good things coming. Nothing’s too small to be thankful for. If you find a penny on the ground, be grateful for the gift. Even if you desire greater wealth, be thankful for the new client you just got.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gratitude helps you feel fulfilled with your life and it sends out energy with those good vibrations. &nbsp;Naturally, they'll come back to you a hundred fold!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Until next time...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-2170850465621769152010-05-07T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-07T06:00:06.032-07:00To Inspire You for the Weekend...Happy Friday!! &nbsp;I hope you had a prosperous and productive week. &nbsp;Whether you did or not, here's something to think about for the weekend...<br /><br /><i><b>Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. &nbsp;Use it. &nbsp;Dwell in possibility.</b></i><br /><i><b>-Oprah Winfrey</b></i><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until next time...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-66686844520091192422010-05-06T06:40:00.000-07:002010-05-06T06:40:00.093-07:00Sharpen Your Armor: Education is Power Vol. 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #332600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Once again, I went crawling for knowledge tonight...here's what I found. &nbsp;Remember...education is power!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/">Love this blog...you will too, if you're a newbie to blogging.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.prestonbailey.com/2010/04/3-tips-for-public-speaking/">Looking to try public speaking soon? &nbsp;Here's how one of my favorite designers gets it done.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.powerhomebiz.com/blog/2010/04/the-importance-of-optimizing-your-website-for-the-search-engines/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+PowerhomebizSmallHomeBusinessBlog+(PowerHomeBiz+Small+%26+Home+Business+Blog)&amp;utm_term=PowerHomeBiz+Blog">Why SEO is important...</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/marketing/article/how-to-grow-without-losing-the-soul-of-your-business-rohit-bhargava">Don't lose your soul, trying to grow.</a><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Until next time...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-70720270204182986602010-05-05T06:13:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:35:04.928-07:00Why You Hate the Numbers and Five Reasons You Shouldn'tTalking about bookkeeping and accounting is fun for me. &nbsp;Weird...I know. &nbsp;It's like a game for me...crunching numbers and figuring out what to do with the information is what I do and what I know. &nbsp;That's my expertise.<br /><br />But...<br /><br />I know y'all HATE the numbers...it's OK. &nbsp;You don't need to learn how to love them like I do. &nbsp;You are however, obligated to understand them. &nbsp;Here's why...<br /><br /><b>To avoid overdraft fees in your bank account </b>- Don't waste money by giving it to the banks...we've seen what they can do with our money...it ain't pretty. &nbsp;Keep that money in your pocket by balancing your books often.<br /><br /><b>To avoid being dis-organized at tax time</b> - Shoebox filing is NOT the way to go. &nbsp;Setup a simple, easy to use filing system so when it's time to give an account to Uncle Sam, it's easy and stress free.<br /><br />To be able to <b>make informed business management decisions</b> based on the financial health of your company - This is key. &nbsp;You can't run your business efficiently if you don't know when to increase or decrease expenses. &nbsp;And you won't know when to increase or decrease expenses unless you can "see" them in an organized way. &nbsp;Utilize the reporting features in your bookkeeping software. &nbsp;And if you don't have <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Quickbooks</span></span> or some other software to help you manage, then setup a spreadsheet to track money coming in and going out.<br /><br /><b>Knowing your ROI</b> - One of the major indicators your management reports will give you is whether or not you are getting a healthy return on your investments. &nbsp;For example; you paid $500 for an ad in your local wedding publication. &nbsp;If you don't track the revenue dollars and where your leads came from, you'll never know if that $500 investment was worth it. &nbsp;Include a coding category for lead sources when coding your sales dollars so you'll know where to increase or eliminate where you spend your marketing dollars.<br /><br />With a streamlined, efficient bookkeeping system <b>you'll have more time to work on the creative, "glam" parts of your business.</b> &nbsp;Let's face it...working on the "business" of running your business is not our favorite thing to do. &nbsp;Having systems in place allows us to "set it and forget it"!<br /><div><br /></div><div>So get <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">crackin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">!</span> &nbsp;Or hire someone to do it for you :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" /></div>Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852096409093299094.post-73534567852791787272010-05-04T06:47:00.000-07:002010-05-03T19:51:02.252-07:00Effective MarketingCreating the marketing "copy" for your website and business collateral can be tricky. One thing I've noticed is that many service providers...including ones in the wedding industry...most ordinary providers all sound like everyone else. &nbsp;Boring!<br /><br />When creating your marketing materials, there is one thing that is very important when describing your services. Always talk about the benefits as opposed to the features of your product or service. &nbsp;It's a surefire way to stand out among so many.<br /><br />For instance...<br /><br />My service is coaching aspiring wedding planners and speaking on the subject. When I coach planners, the benefit they receive is that they will begin their businesses with the right business, marketing and operational plans so that they are successful from the start. They attract more brides, feel more at ease when speaking to others about their business and they learn how to operate their business efficiently.<br /><br />What benefits do you provide for your clients? Be sure to talk about them often in your marketing...otherwise, you'll sound like ever other planner out there. And you want to stand out, don't you?<br /><br />Until next time...<br /><br /><i><b>Aspire to Plan!</b></i><br /><img src="http://www.sacredmomentweddings.com/images/wjrsig104x61.jpg" />Wendy Robinsonhttps://plus.google.com/113960390078119733268noreply@blogger.com0